August

I’m Changing. It’s August and I’m changing.

I can feel my bones breaking.

Adult snakes shed their skin twice a year. They do this

because they have to allow themselves room for new

growth. Parasites that attach themselves to the outer

layer of skin are removed in the process. Without this

shedding, the old layer will begin to glue itself to the

snake's body, causing restriction and eventual death. 

It’s only February, but I’ve lived enough lives for a year. 

To say I’ve endured is enough. I’m shedding my skin.

And the thought of this makes me so relieved.

This poem has been published in The Luna Collective’s 19th print issue. You can find the issue here.